King James Version

What Does Psalms 63:4 Mean?

Psalms 63:4 in the King James Version says “Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 63 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.

Psalms 63:4 · KJV


Context

2

To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.

3

Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.

4

Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.

5

My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: marrow: Heb. fatness

6

When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The vow 'Thus will I bless thee while I live' commits to lifelong praise. Lifting up hands 'in thy name' indicates both surrender and supplication. This worship posture—blessing God throughout life—demonstrates that gratitude is not circumstantial but covenantal. The permanence of praise ('while I live') reveals that worship defines the believer's existence.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Lifting hands was standard Jewish prayer posture (Exodus 9:29, 1 Timothy 2:8), signifying both appeal and openness to receive. David's commitment to this posture 'while I live' shows worship as life's defining orientation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does lifelong commitment to blessing God require practically?
  2. How does physical posture in worship reflect and shape spiritual disposition?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
כֵּ֣ן1 of 6
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

אֲבָרֶכְךָ֣2 of 6

Thus will I bless

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

בְחַיָּ֑י3 of 6

thee while I live

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

בְּ֝שִׁמְךָ4 of 6

in thy name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

אֶשָּׂ֥א5 of 6

I will lift up

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

כַפָּֽי׃6 of 6

my hands

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 63:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 63:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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